Intel updates X86S and takes another step towards abandoning 32-bit

Intel updates X86S and takes another step towards abandoning 32-bit

The chip giant has updated the specifications of its X86S architecture to the version 1.2an important move because it indicates that Intel is not only committed to this architecture, but is also very serious about everything it entails both in terms of performance and support for legacy applications.

The X86 architecture It is the basis of modern computing for almost 50 years. It was created in the 70s with the launch of the Intel 8086 processor, one of the most legendary chips from the Santa Clara giant that marked the entry into the it was 16 bits.

This architecture was maintained with the jump to 32 bits, and the same thing happened with the arrival of the X86-64 processors, which took us to the 64-bit era, but maintaining full support for both 16-bit and 32-bit.

According to Intel, much of the instruction set and features used by the X86 architecture have become obsolete and have become a burdenbut they are necessary to maintain compatibility with 16-bit and 32-bit applications. That’s where Intel X86S comes in, an architecture that seeks to completely eliminate such compatibility.

Intel X86S: All or nothing for 64 bits

That’s Intel’s goal with this latest update to the architecture, to free it from the burden of all the legacy instructions and features needed to maintain 16-bit and 32-bit compatibility. However, the chip giant is aware that 32-bit applications still carry a significant weight, and that’s why it has decided to not turn your back on them completely.

The update to version 1.2 introduces a compatibility mode with 32-bit applications. It doesn’t specify exactly how this mode works, but it’s clear that it’s no longer equivalent to full support, and that it’s another step that will eventually lead us to the end of 32-bit application support.

I think it’s a logical move, but I also think it’s a very complicated thing for several reasons. The first, and most important, is that one of the most important values The strength of the X86 architecture has always been its compatibility with legacy applications, that broad support that extends back several decades, and that allows very old software to run on current hardware without problems.

This change would have its advantages, as it would allow this architecture to be modernized and relieved of a significant burden, but it could reduce its value. could cause problems many users, both private and professional, who are still using 32-bit applications, and generates uncertainty about the future of the x86-64 ecosystem, a standard in which AMD played a fundamental role, since it was the first to launch a 64-bit consumer processor.



Source: www.muycomputer.com